Epstein’s USVI Integration
Jeffrey Epstein was not an invisible presence in the U.S. Virgin Islands. He employed local workers at his properties, made charitable contributions to USVI causes, and cultivated relationships with local officials and businesspeople.
The Employment Relationship
Significant numbers of USVI residents were employed at Epstein’s two islands Little St. James and Great St. James in positions including construction, maintenance, domestic, and boat crew work. This employment provided economic benefit and created a local constituency.
The USVI Lawsuit Allegations
When the USVI Attorney General sued the Epstein estate, the complaint included allegations that USVI officials had been involved in providing accommodations to Epstein’s operation including immigration processing of young women arriving on private aircraft at the St. Thomas airport.
The AG’s Firing
USVI AG Denise George was fired shortly after filing the lawsuit. The circumstances created a strong inference that her aggressive legal action against a significant source of local economic activity was politically unwelcome.
The Settlement
The million settlement with the USVI government included acknowledgments of wrongdoing regarding USVI-based operations, representing a rare official admission of what occurred at the island properties.